Senate Resolution No. 2105

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

CONGRATULATING the Yonkers Montessori Academy
Varsity Girls Basketball Team upon the occasion of
capturing the 2026 NYSPHSAA Basketball Class B
Championship on March 21, 2026

WHEREAS, Individual and team sports are highly competitive, holding
championship tournaments for competing teams, reserving the state
championship title for only the best team; and

WHEREAS, Sports and athletic activities promote physical, mental,
and emotional prowess within our young New Yorkers, instilling a fire to
strive for excellence that matures alongside the athlete, driving them
to unparalleled heights; and

WHEREAS, Student athletes challenge their bodies and minds, whether
on the court or classroom, they balance their responsibilities while
bolstering their teamwork, excellence, and competitive spirit, qualities
that will benefit their futures greatly; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is immensely proud to congratulate
the Yonkers Montessori Academy Varsity Girls Basketball Team upon the
occasion of capturing the 2026 NYSPHSAA Basketball Class B Championship
on March 21, 2026, at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Surrounded by enthusiastic family members, friends, and
fans, the Lady Eagles exemplified tenacity and composure in their
overtime win over the Chenango Forks Blue Devils, ending with a final
score of 65-60, finalizing their 24-3 season record; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Yonkers Montessori Academy Varsity Girls
Basketball Team display incredible mastery and professionalism in the
realm of basketball, forming intense bonds of sisterhood that will last
long after they retire their red and white uniforms; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Elie Moise and Assistant Coach Michael Marino
have shown outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment throughout
the season, instilling discipline, unity, and a winning mindset in their
players both on and off the court; and

WHEREAS, The Yonkers Montessori Academy Varsity Girls Basketball
Team continued its run of excellence by capturing its second consecutive
Sectional title during the 2026 season, further demonstrating the
program's consistency and competitive strength; and

WHEREAS, Building upon this success, the Yonkers Montessori Academy
Varsity Girls Basketball Team demonstrated poise, discipline, and
determination against postseason competition, advancing through each
round with confidence and purpose; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Yonkers Montessori Academy Varsity Girls
Basketball Team have shown remarkable commitment and perseverance,
culminating in a historic achievement as the first girls team in Yonkers

history to win a state championship and the first Yonkers team to win a
state championship since 1932, bringing pride and recognition to their
school and community while setting a new standard for excellence in
Yonkers athletics; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the members of the Yonkers Montessori Academy Varsity Girls
Basketball Team: Anisa Mustafaj, Emilee Doherty, Grace Gleeson, Naomi De
La Cruz, Fiona Kenny, Liliana Toro, Jodi O'Donnell, Vera Ndoci, Zion
Frazier, Gianna Ruiz, Keira Peters, Jevaeh Thompson, and Arsela
Mustafaj; Head Coach Elie Moise; and Assistant Coach Michael Marino upon
the occasion of capturing the 2026 NYSPHSAA Basketball Class B
Championship on March 21, 2026; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Yonkers Montessori Academy Varsity
Girls Basketball Team; Head Coach Elie Moise; and Assistant Coach
Michael Marino.